By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The recent abolition of the death penalty in Zimbabwe has garnered widespread acclaim, including strong support from the European Union (EU). The development stands as testament to the nation’s commitment to upholding human rights and dignity.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially signed the Death Penalty Abolition Bill into law on New Year’s Eve, making Zimbabwe the 27th country in Africa to abolish the death penalty.
The EU welcomed Zimbabwe’s legislative change, highlighting in a statement the importance of this decision as pivotal not only for Zimbabwe but also for the global community in recognizing the inalienable right to life.
“This is a historic move that places Zimbabwe among the largest numbers of states in the world that have scrapped capital punishment. Zimbabwe had indeed abolished capital punishment back in 2005,” the statement reads.
Zimbabwean Information Secretary, Nick Mangwana, expressed his satisfaction with the international recognition, affirming that the abolishment of the death penalty extends beyond mere accolades.
In a post on his social media platform X, Mangwana stated, “We are very happy with the overwhelming international feedback over the abolition of the Death Penalty. The national decision to abolish the death penalty wasn’t just about international praise, but about aligning with our own cultural values and moral compass. Delighted that the global community connects with our commitment to keeping human beings alive.”
Despite the positive reception, the EU emphasized the need for further reform, calling on Zimbabwe to abolish provisions allowing the temporary reinstatement of capital punishment during states of emergency, deeming such provisions as incompatible with the right to life and human dignity.
The EU, which strictly opposes the death penalty based on its Charter of Fundamental Rights, continues to engage diplomatically with countries that still support capital punishment, urging a reconsideration of their stance.